The Parent’s Association Cultural Awareness and Inclusion Committee is gearing up to host their 2nd annual International Food Festival on Thursday, January 25th, from 3 pm to 4:30 pm, under the Middle School Sails. The global food event falls within International Month here at Saint Stephen’s, a time for the school to celebrate the different cultures and heritages of our school community.

The Parent’s Association Cultural Awareness and Inclusion Committee’s role is to welcome and fully integrate new and existing international families into the Saint Stephen’s community. At the International Food Festival, students will be able to taste delicious foods, enjoy international music, and experience different cultures.

The festival is sure to feature diverse culinary cuisine. There are many countries and cultures that are represented by parents and community members, and participants will set up tables under the middle school for people to browse and try different foods.

Committee co-chairs, Ricarda Gonzalez-Estrada and Julie Pakbaz spearhead the event, and according to Mrs. Pakbaz, her favorite part is the diversity of cultures represented.

“We have so many countries and cultures confirmed to participate so far, including USA, Portugal, Albania, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Russia, Czech Republic, Guatemala, Vietnam, Turkey, Syria, Guatemala, New Zealand, Jamaica, Mexico, Ireland, Egypt, China, Hungary, Cuba, Nigeria, Singapore, England, Peru, Italy, India and several more. However, we’re hoping for even more families to join us. The more the merrier.”

When the bell rings at 3 pm on January 25th, students can head to the middle school outdoor area to eat foods from around the world, all in a span of five minutes.

For example, you can try pavlovas from New Zealand, noodles from Singapore, and tamales from Mexico. Along with these delicious eats, the International Food Festival will have a DJ, a Mariachi band, and their very own Bollywood dancers. There will even be lessons on how to do a Bollywood dance.

Spanish teacher Mrs. Hambrick, the Head of the World Cultures Club, will be in attendance to share information about our student exchange programs to Denmark and Argentina. A sign-up for families who are interested will be available, and students who have been on these exchanges will be there to answer questions.

The International Food Festival is a great opportunity for students to learn about different cultures through food, music, and social interactions. Mrs. Gonzalez-Estrada loves this aspect of the festival.

“My favorite thing is seeing families of all cultures coming together to learn a little about what makes that family special and different from other cultures.”

Saint Stephen’s values the cultural diversity in our community, which is why they made January “International Month.” Along with the festival, there will be an International Falcon Friend event, a World Cultures Day, and “global panels” across the four divisions.

See the flyer for the International Food Festival below. The event is open to all members of the SSES community.